Whispers Forum

The geopolitical scenario of the world is changing rapidly. For India, the Asia-Pacific region and the South China Sea are the biggest pin points. China is continuously increasing its dominance in these areas. In such a situation, everyone has expectations from India to stop China's bullying. America also believes that if anyone can stop China in the South China Sea, it is India. If anyone can remove the obstacles in the way of countries doing business from Asia to Europe in the Asia-Pacific region and assure them of safe movement, it is only India. India has always been advocating a free and open Indo-Pacific region. India's role is now going to increase in the maritime area at the global level. In fact, recently Bangladesh has increased this threat further by inviting China to do business in its region.
Yogesh Mathurs

On one hand, business institutions are feeling restless due to the possibility of economic recession, on the other hand, the government has become alert by taking seriously the global signals towards a possible trade war. It is being said that the central government is making multi-level efforts to avoid such potential problems. Diplomatic efforts have been intensified amid the growing conflict between America and China. A plan should be prepared to deal with the adverse impact on small and medium investors.
Aditya Malviya

Trump’s tariff war is the ‘atmanirbhar’ moment for India in true sense, but devastating strike against George Soros and his pseudo-socialist-secular gang who did their best to defeat Trump in the election 2024 and their partners in international crime from countries like Pakistan, China and India. These fellows are making emergency visits to America to close the accounts with Soros, who might be demanding his 1 bl. spent on them. The fear of nuclear economic winter is American business worry but much less for India for the solid reason that India had shown the alacrity to provide for such arm twisting tactics of the advanced countries by setting up the Tariff Commission in the early 1980s. The difference is worth serious high level studies to work on genuine atmanirbharata coupled with fair trade practices and honest public service delivery. Every day brings media reports of corrupt dignitaries, officers and lower ranks getting caught in cases of bribery. The New India should not breed Choksis, Modis and Mallyas. The headwinds are too strong, even mild whispers of changing the prime minister are most unwelcome, the threat to India’s economy is too real to be dissed lightly, and it is the toughest test for “leadership” in India these next few months; at #3 or9? That is the test.
M L Gupta

After the new tariff policy implemented by Donald Trump, there is chaos all over the world. Trump's decision has caused havoc in the stock markets all over the world. Obviously, the Indian stock market and our investors are suffering the loss. India is the world's largest market. Therefore, the market situation here is still very good and will remain good in the future on the basis of consumption. Experts say that there is no possibility of recession in India at the moment. Apart from this, India will also benefit from the sharp fall in crude oil prices and strengthening of the rupee. Not only this, in the coming time, the Reserve Bank of India can cut interest rates, due to which the country's consumption is sure to increase further. Keeping all these things in mind, the condition of the Indian market is stable.
Yogita Kumari

For the post of AHO Gr B under the Medical Dept of East Coast Railway Bhubaneswar, certain examination was done. The appellant submitted the representation towards Question No. 97, as the first answer key published the right answer was given option C and the revised answer key mentioned the right answer as option A. The appellant requested to provide a copy proof which justifies the answer A is correct and what is the existing practice in East Coast Railway for stores and works matters. The CIC observed that the reply provided by the Respondent is not satisfactory as the Respondent has not provided the documentary proof to the Appellant. The CIC directed the PIO-cum-Additional Chief Medical Director to provide documentary proof to the Appellant within two weeks.
Comments
The PIO is sometimes faced with a dilemma whether providing a “justification” amounts to creating an information and whether the same is covered under the definition of “information” as per section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005. This case law should be read along with Section 4(1)(d) of the RTI Act which reads, ‘provide reasons for its administrative or quasi-judicial decisions to affected persons.’
Citation: Kumar Swet Kamal v. Office of the Principal Chief Medical Director, Rail Sadan, Bhubaneswar, CIC/ECRBH/A/2023/652155; Date of Decision: 06.03.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

The advancement of digitization is a positive development; however, it has also led to an increase in malicious activities by hackers. As people become more aware of cyber fraud, fraudsters are continuously evolving their tactics. Initially, cyber criminals relied on sending deceptive links to trick users. However, as awareness has grown, these criminals have shifted to sending images that contain hidden links. When a user clicks on these images, their device can be compromised, allowing the hacker to access sensitive information, including bank account details. Reports of such incidents have emerged from various regions. Unfortunately, the government has struggled to effectively combat digital fraud. While digitization offers many benefits, it can also be distressing for people who risk losing their hard-earned money in an instant.
Nancy Singh

A very peculiar thing in India is that the entrance examinations after class 12th do not examine candidates on what they have been taught. Examinations are pitched at a level of difficulty which is far higher than what the Class 12th student is taught. This creates an uneven playing field because then, those who have the benefit of coaching and tuitions are better off than those who do not. This is sought to be neutralised by candidates by going in for coaching and tuition so almost all students undergo coaching and tuition. This helps only the coaching institutes and tutors.
Vijay Kumar

It is worrisome that in a country of population of 140 crores, approx. 8.1 crores people file income tax returns and less than 4% people pay income tax in real terms. This needs to be analysed. This may be due to fear in the minds of people filing ITR. Fear may be due to excessive regulations, notices, penalties and complicated ITR forms. Earlier, Sahaj Form used to be 2 pages, but now it is more than 20 pages. Even simple dividend income in a year of Rs. 100/ has to be shown in five divided parts of the year. Will dividing it make more than Rs.100/-? Such complications are not user friendly and to be seen in right perspective. All regulations are only for the people who are paying tax and have to face various queries from IT department. The people dealing in cash are not in any financial system and take advantage of earnings. There is a large amount of tax revenue leakage. This may be minimized by restricting cash transactions. There is excess cash in circulations which should be cut. Banning cash transaction more than Rs. 10,000/-. It means any transaction more than Rs.10,000/- has to be in electronic/digital. This will not only reduce tax leakage but also limit the activities which are not permitted by law. It will also reduce the cash which is being seized. We have nearly 18 crores Dmat accounts (both CDSL and NSDL) but only approx. 8.1 crores people filing ITRs. This may also be seen, how to increase the number of tax filers for increasing tax revenue. Cash looks to be one of the main reasons for avoiding paying income tax as they do not come under any tax net. Finance Minister may like to consider the above points for increasing tax revenue and a tax payers friendly environment. We have to reduce the trust deficit between tax administration and tax payers. With regards
Naveen